Emission control device and method

ABSTRACT

An emission control device and method are provided for treating exhaust gases to reduce gaseous pollutants contained therein. The device includes a treatment chamber through which the exhaust gases pass. First and second metal screens are disposed within the chamber a predetermined distance from each other. AC voltage is supplied to adjacent the first screen with, for example, an electrode device. A timing circuit is provided for pulsing the AC voltage at a predetermined pulse rate. A temperature sensitive device may be interfaced with the treatment chamber and timing circuit so that the pulsed voltage is only supplied to the screen within a predetermined temperature range.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method fortreating exhaust gases, and more particularly to a combustion enginetreatment device for removing and/or reducing pollutants contained inthe combustion engine effluent gases. In particular, the presentinvention substantially reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons andvirtually eliminates the exhaust of carbon monoxide.

With the increasing use of automobiles, trucks, aircraft, and othercombustion engine vehicles, growing concern over the gaseous pollutantsemitted by these sources is justifiably mounting. Carbon monoxide, thetoxic by-product of incomplete combustion, is a major contributor to airpollution and poses a very real threat to public health. Carbon dioxide,although non-toxic, is recognized as an air pollutant that directlycauses the "greenhouse effect." Modern fuels generate excessive amountsof carbon dioxide, which scientists report are contaminating theatmosphere worldwide. Today's engines also generate an unhealthy amountof toxic hydrocarbons which are generally responsible for eyeirritation, nasal congestion, and breathing difficulties.

In addition to the problems caused by exhaust emissions from automotivecombustion engines, significant exhaust pollution is also created fromresidential and industrial effluent stacks. Electrostatic precipitatorsand the like are common in the treatment of automotive, stack, and otherindustrial gases. However, the conventional treatment devices areinadequate for treating the principle concerns of carbon dioxide andcarbon monoxide concentrations in the exhaust gases.

Numerous devices and methods are known in the art for the control ofexhaust gas contaminants. Electrostatic precipitation is widely used insuch applications and involves the application of high voltages toelectrodes positioned in the exhaust gas stream. This process inducesionization of gas particles, which in turn cause particulates suspendedin the gas to acquire a charge from contact with the ionized gasparticles. The charged particles are then collected at oppositelycharged diodes, which must be eventually "cleaned" or "scrubbed." Asignificant drawback of electrostatic precipitation is that only minuteparticulate matter can be precipitated out of the exhaust stream. Theprocess is ineffective at removing gaseous contaminants such as carbonmonoxide and carbon dioxide.

The method and apparatus of the present invention represent a furthertechnique for treatment of industrial, automotive, and other exhaustemissions to realize enhanced reduction or elimination of gaseouspollutants, particularly carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The priorart neither teaches nor suggests the method or apparatus according tothe present invention.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A principle of the present invention is to provide a device fortreatment of exhaust gases for the reduction of atmospheric gaseouspollutants contained therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method fortreating exhaust gases for the reduction of atmospheric gaseouspollutants contained therein.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide anemission control device which substantially reduces carbon dioxide andhydrocarbons and virtually eliminates carbon monoxide from exhaustgases, particularly automobile exhaust gases.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which canbe retro-fitted into an automobile's exhaust system for significantlyreducing gaseous pollutants contained in the exhaust stream.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide animproved exhaust treatment system and method for residential andindustrial use.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will be setforth in part in the description which follows, and in part will beobvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of theinvention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realizedand attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. Various modificationsand alterations to the features, elements, and constructions disclosedherein may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are intendedto come within the spirit and scope of this invention. Suchmodifications and variations may include, but are not limited to, thesubstitution of functionally equivalent structures and elements forthose expressly disclosed, illustrated, or suggested herein.

According to the objects of the invention, a system for treating exhaustgases for reducing pollutants therein is provided. The system comprisesa treatment chamber having an intake end and an exhaust end. A firstmetal screen, preferably comprised of stainless steel, is operativelydisposed within the treatment chamber generally near the intake end. Asecond metal screen, also preferably formed of stainless steel, isdisposed within the treatment chamber at a predetermined distance fromthe first metal screen and generally near the exhaust end of thetreatment chamber. An alternating voltage source is operatively disposedadjacent to at least the first metal screen within the treatment chamberfor supplying AC voltage thereto. Means are provided for pulsing the ACvoltage supplied to the first metal screen at a predetermined frequencywhich maximizes reduction of gaseous pollutants within an exhaust gasstream passing through the first and second metal screens within thetreatment chamber. The AC voltage is "supplied" to the first screen inthe sense that an electrode or like device is disposed adjacent thescreen and with each pulse of voltage, an arc is generated from theelectrode to the screen.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, temperature sensitive means,such as a thermocouple, are operatively disposed to sense thetemperature within the treatment chamber. The temperature sensitivemeans are operatively interfaced with the pulsing means so that thepulsed AC voltage is supplied to the first metal screen within apredetermined temperature range. Applicants have found that an optimumtemperature range is approximately 150° to 300° F. It should beunderstood that the optimum temperature range may vary due to anycombination of elements and also depending upon the particular gaseouspollutant most desired to be reduced from the exhaust stream. Thetemperature range of approximately 150° to 300° is thus not a limitationto the present invention, but only a preferred embodiment thereof.

And in still a further preferred embodiment of the invention, AC voltageis supplied to the first metal screen at a pulse frequency of 1500pulses/minute to optimize reduction of at least carbon monoxide,hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide.

In a preferred embodiment, the system according .to the presentinvention is designed for use with an automobile's exhaust system. Inthis embodiment, the treatment chamber may be placed within the auto'sexhaust system, for example, by being inserted into the end of theexhaust pipe or otherwise placed in-line within the exhaust pipe. The ACvoltage source may preferably comprise components of the car's existingelectrical system, for example the ignition coil system is preferred forproducing AC voltage of generally at least 15K volts. The pulsing meansmay comprise a conventional timing circuit interfaced with the auto'selectrical system for supplying the AC voltage to the first screen atthe predetermined pulse rate. Preferably, a thermalcouple or othertemperature sensitive device is operatively disposed to sense thetemperature within the treatment chamber and is interfaced with thetiming circuit so that the pulsed AC voltage is supplied to the firstmetal screen only within a predetermined temperature range.

In a preferred arrangement of the metal screens within the treatmentchamber, applicants have determined that a distance of approximately sixinches between the screens is effective for reducing at least carbonmonoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. However, as with thetemperature range, the distance between the screens may vary dependingupon any number of factors and pollutants desired to be eliminated.Thus, the six inch distance is not a limitation, but merely a preferredembodiment of the invention.

Also in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the chamber andfirst and second metal screens are multi-sided in configuration, such asa star shape, or the like. Although a substantially round configurationof the treatment chamber and metal screens is within the scope of thepresent invention, the multi-sided configuration, such as the starshape, is preferred for more efficiently dissipating heat generatedwithin the treatment chamber.

It should be further understood that the use of the system with anautomobile is but a preferred use of the invention. It is within thescope and spirit of the invention to use the present system fortreatment of any manner of effluent exhaust gases, such as industrialstack gases, locomotives, or any manner of combustion engine exhauststreams.

In further accordance with the objects of the present invention, amethod is provided for treating exhaust gases to reduce the pollutantcontained therein. The method comprises the steps of passing the exhaustgases through a treatment chamber having first and second steel screensdisposed therein separated from each other a predetermined distance. Theexhaust gases thus passed through the first screen and then through thesecond screen within the treatment chamber. The method further includessupplying AC voltage to the first steel screen within the treatmentchamber. Also, the AC voltage is supplied in pulses to the first steelscreen at a predetermined pulse frequency. The method further includessupplying the pulsed AC voltage to the screen within a predeterminedtemperature range which is measured within the treatment chamber. In apreferred embodiment of the present method, the AC volts supplied to thescreen are in the magnitude of approximately 15K volts. In one preferredembodiment, the volts are pulsed at a rate of approximately 1500pulses/minute. Also, one preferred temperature range for supplying thepulsed AC voltage is approximately 150° to 300° F.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the present inventionshown in use as an emission control device for an automobile;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic component view of the system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view shown in partial cut-away of the treatmentchamber according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an electrical circuit of one embodiment of the timing circuitaccording to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

The system for treating exhaust gases for reducing pollutants containedtherein is shown generally in the figures as numeral 10. Referring toFIG. 1 in general, system 10 comprises a treatment chamber 12 having anintake end 14 and an exhaust end 16. A first metal screen 18 is disposedwithin the treatment chamber 12 generally near intake end 14. Secondmetal screen 20 is disposed within treatment chamber 12 a predetermineddistance from first metal screen 18. AC voltage source 22 is operativelyconnected to at least first metal screen 18 through, for example, anelectrode 24 as shown in FIG. 2. System 10 further includes pulsingmeans A for pulsing the AC voltage supplied to first metal screen 18 ata predetermined optimum frequency.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 in particular, chamber 12 preferablycomprises a multi-sided configuration 34. For example, in one preferredembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 chamber 12 is of a star configuration.Although any number of arrangements of chamber 12 are possible, in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, chamber 12 includes a central sleevemember 30. A first insert section 26 and a second insert section 28 arefitted into central sleeve member 30. First metal screen 18 is disposedwithin first insert section 26 and, likewise, second metal screen 20 isdisposed within second insert section 28. Thus, central sleeve 30separates the metal screens a predetermined distance. Inserts 26 and 28can be secured to sleeve member 30 by any conventional means, such aswelding, epoxy, or the like. It is preferred that chamber 12 befabricated from stainless steel. In one preferred embodiment, inserts 26and 28 and sleeve member 30 are formed of 16 gauge type 306 stainlesssteel. Likewise, it is also preferred that first and second metalscreens 18 and 20 respectively are also formed of stainless steel. Inone preferred embodiment the screens are formed of 8 mesh 0.032 wirescreen of type 316 stainless steel.

Electrode 24 is disposed within chamber 12 adjacent first screen 18.Electrode 24 may be disposed through sleeve member 30 as shown in FIG.3, or may be disposed through insert section 26 towards screen 18.Electrode 24 may comprise a simple length of copper rod or aconventional ignition device disposed, for example, 1/4 inch from screen18. When voltage is supplied to electrode 24, a spark is generatedacross the gap between the electrode and the screen exciting themetallic surface area of the screen.

Chamber 12 may also be provided with an insert or extension section 44which can be easily mated with the existing exhaust pipe of anautomobile, as shown generally in FIG. 1. Extension or insert 44 mayeither fit over the exhaust pipe or slide into the exhaust pipe. Anymanner of connections for mating chamber 12 to the exhaust system arewithin the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, chamber 12need not necessarily be placed at the extreme end of the exhaust pipe asshown in FIG. 1, but may be placed generally anywhere in-line in theexhaust system. For example, a section of exhaust could be replaced withthe treatment chamber 12.

In operation, exhaust gases flow into chamber 12 through intake end 44,pass through first screen 18, and then through second screen 20 beforeexiting chamber 12 through exhaust end 16.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 in particular, in the embodiment where thepresent system 10 is used as an emission control device for anautomobile, central sleeve member 30 is approximately 61/2 inches longand first and second insert sections 26 and 28 are approximately 3inches long. The diameter of the insert sections is approximately 3.8inches, which is slightly less than the diameter of sleeve member 30. Inthis embodiment, applicants have determined that for effectiveelimination of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons fromthe automobile's exhaust, that a separation of approximately 6 inchesbetween first screen 18 and second screen 20 is preferred. However, itshould be understood that the predetermined distance between thedistance can vary depending on any number of factors including physicaldimensions of treatment chamber 12 and the volumetric flow rate of gasesthrough the chamber.

In the embodiments illustrated, AC voltage source 22 comprisescomponents of the automobile's existing electrical system, such as theignition device or coil circuitry. The operation of an automobile'selectrical system, particularly the 12 volt dc supply and AC ignitionsystem is not particular to the present invention and need not beexplained in detail here. Utilization of the automobile's existingsystem is preferred in that this is the least obtrusive manner ofimplementing the present invention with an automobile. As shown in FIGS.1 and 2, in one preferred embodiment AC voltage is supplied to firstmetal screen 18 from the engine's ignition coil circuitry 22. In apreferred embodiment, 15K volts are supplied from the ignition coilsystem to first metal screen 18 through electrode 24.

According to the invention, the AC voltage supplied to the first screenis pulsed at a predetermined frequency which has been optimallydetermined to maximize the reduction of exhaust pollutants within thechamber. Thus, timing circuit 38 is provided interfaced with theengine's electrical system as diagrammatically indicated in FIGS. 1 and2. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, timing circuit 38 controlsthe frequency of pulses of AC voltage to electrode 24 by controlling thevoltage to the secondary windings of the ignition coil. It should beunderstood, however, that this is but a mere example of any suitablearrangement of a timing circuit interfaced with the engine's electricalsystem. Any number of conventional timing circuits may be utilized andany number of arrangements of timing circuits with appropriate relayscan be utilized to achieve the same result. Although pulsation of the ACvoltage to first screen 18 is important to the present invention, themethod of providing such pulsation can vary in any number of ways andapplicant wishes not to be limited to the examples shown in the figures.

As mentioned, any number of commercially available timing circuits maybe incorporated in the present system. However, in FIG. 4 applicant hasillustrated a suitable timing circuit designed particularly for use withthe present invention. According to FIG. 4, a digital timer, such as a555 digital timer, is provided being supplied 12 volt power through pin8 from the engine's battery or dc system. Pin 1 of the digital timer isto ground. Resistor R1 is disposed between pins 4 and 6 and capacitor C1is disposed between pins 7 and 1 of the timer. Resistor R1 and capacitorC1 are chosen and cooperate to establish the pulsing frequency of thedigital timer, as is commonly understood in the electrical arts. Aninitiation relay C is provided for initiating the pulsing sequence ofthe digital timer through pin No. 2. The initiation relay senses 12volts from the engine's cranking circuit once the circuit is energized.Thus, the digital timer does not operate until the cranking circuit isenergized. In simplest terms, the timing circuit pulses at apredetermined frequency 12 volts through another relay D to a standardautomotive coil circuitry. The 12 volts is supplied to the circuitrycondenser which, in turn, supplies approximately 125 volts to thesecondary windings of the coil. The primary windings are supplied 12volts from the electrical system. In turn, 15K volts are supplied fromthe coil to electrode 24. Applicant has empirically determined that apulse rate of approximately 1500 pulses/minute is preferred in anautomobile emission control device for optimizing reduction of carbonmonoxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide.

It is also preferred that system 10 include temperature sensitive meansB for sensing the temperature within treatment chamber 12 and limitingthe pulsed AC voltage to first screen 18 to within a predeterminedtemperature range. As diagrammatically indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, athermalcouple 42 is operatively disposed so as to sense the temperaturewithin chamber 12 and it is interfaced with control circuit 38 so thatthe pulsed AC voltage is only supplied within a predeterminedtemperature range. Applicant has determined that there is a distincttemperature range within which effective reduction of carbon monoxide,carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons occur. For the embodiment of system 10utilized as an emission control device for an automobile, applicant hasdetermined that this temperature range is approximately 150° to 300° F.This temperature range is a mere approximazation and is not meant tolimit the present invention to any particular range. The temperaturerange can be dependent upon any number of factors including whichparticular gaseous pollutants are desired to be reduced from the gasstream.

Although the present explanation has been primarily concerned with anemission control device for an automobile, the present invention is notlimited to such. For example, chamber 12 could be mounted to anindustrial effluent stack and supplied pulsed AC voltage from any numberof independent sources for treating the gasses emitted from the stack.The present invention may be utilized in any number of residential andindustrial applications and is not limited to an emission control devicefor an automobile.

While not wishing to be bound to any particular theory, it is believedthat when the engine pollutants pass through the first metal screenwhich is being supplied the pulsed AC voltage, that a plasma orcatalytic reaction is established in or around the wire mesh of thescreen. At some relatively high temperature, around 300° F., thereaction appears to be significantly limited. The reaction continues totake place within the chamber around the screens until the temperaturein the region of the screen drops below approximately 160° to 150° F. Intheory, applicant believes the electric spark supplied to the screen isexciting the metal ion electronic levels on the surface of the stainlesssteel mesh causing a metallic catalyst reaction between the metal atomsand molecules of gaseous reactants. Applicant refers to pages 211 to 213of the Encyclopedia of Chemistry, third edition, edited by Clifford A.Hampel and Gessner G. Hawley, for a possible explanation of the reactionin and around the metal screens. Applicant believes that the samereaction takes place around both of the metal screens even though thesecond metal screen does not necessarily have a direct spark appliedthereto. Apparently, the voltage supply to the first screen and heatgenerated in the chamber is sufficient for promoting the catalyticcondition at the surface of the wire mesh on the second screen also.Applicant has determined though that the addition of the second screenimproves the reduction of gaseous pollutants within the chamber.

In order to test the present invention, prototype units were tested onvarious automobiles. The test automobile's emission was first testedwith a gas analyzer without the device being activated. After activatingthe present device, various readings were taken at various temperaturesof the treatment chamber. The tables below summarize the results ofthose tests.

The follow results were obtained using the present device on an '85Lincoln V8 with an ambient temperature of 71°:

    ______________________________________                                        EFFLUENT EXHAUST                                                                              EXHAUST       ENGINE                                          GASES           TEMPERATURE   RPM                                             ______________________________________                                        WITH DEVICE TURNED OFF                                                        CO 3.85%        120°    700                                            HC 368 ppm                                                                    CO.sub.2 7.40%                                                                O.sub.2 6.60%                                                                 WITH DEVICE TURNED ON                                                         CO 3.26%        132°    700                                            HC 328 ppm                                                                    CO.sub.2 6.20%                                                                O.sub.2 8.90%                                                                 CO 3.70%        136°   1500                                            HC 322 ppm                                                                    CO.sub.2 6.30%                                                                O.sub.2 8.60%                                                                 CO .21%         190°   2000                                            HC 35 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.30%                                                                O.sub.2 8.60%                                                                 CO .16%         210°   1885                                            HC 30 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.70%                                                                O.sub.2 7.70%                                                                 CO .22%         215°   1900                                            HC 25 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 9.20%                                                                O.sub.2 7.10%                                                                 CO .16%         208°   2000                                            HC 24 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 9.20%                                                                O.sub.2 7.20%                                                                 CO .23%         200°   2000                                            HC 23 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.90%                                                                O.sub.2 5.90%                                                                 WITH DEVICE TURNED OFF                                                        CO .02%         200°   1578                                            HC 17 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.30%                                                                O.sub.2 8.40%                                                                 CO .17%         220°   1570                                            HC 22 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.40%                                                                O.sub. 2 7.80%                                                                CO .22%         210°   1585                                            HC 22 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 10.00%                                                               O.sub.2 4.50%                                                                 CO 3.89%        141°    783                                            HC 285 ppm                                                                    CO.sub.2 6.10%                                                                O.sub.2 8.20%                                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The following results were obtained using the present device on an '89Lincoln V8 with an ambient temperature of 71°:

    ______________________________________                                        EFFLUENT EXHAUST                                                                              EXHAUST       ENGINE                                          GASES           TEMPERATURE   RPM                                             ______________________________________                                        WITH DEVICE TURNED OFF                                                        CO 3.85%        120°    700                                            HC 368 ppm                                                                    CO.sub.2 7.40%                                                                O.sub.2 6.60%                                                                 WITH DEVICE TURNED ON                                                         CO 3.26%        132°    700                                            HC 328 ppm                                                                    CO.sub.2 6.20%                                                                O.sub.2 8.90%                                                                 CO 3.70%        136°   1500                                            HC 322 ppm                                                                    CO.sub.2 6.30%                                                                O.sub.2 8.60%                                                                 CO .21%         190°   2000                                            HC 35 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.30%                                                                O.sub.2 8.60%                                                                 CO .16%         210°   1885                                            HC 30 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.70%                                                                O.sub.2 7.70%                                                                 CO .22%         215°   1900                                            HC 25 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 9.20%                                                                O.sub.2 7.10%                                                                 CO .16%         208°   2000                                            HC 24 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 9.20%                                                                O.sub.2 7.20%                                                                 CO .23%         200°   2000                                            HC 23 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.90%                                                                O.sub.2 5.90%                                                                 WITH DEVICE TURNED OFF                                                        CO .02%         200°   1578                                            HC 17 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.30%                                                                O.sub.2 8.40%                                                                 CO .17%         220°   1570                                            HC 22 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 8.40%                                                                O.sub.2 7.80%                                                                 CO .22%         210°   1585                                            HC 22 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 10.00%                                                               O.sub.2 4.50%                                                                 CO 3.89%        141°    783                                            HC 285 ppm                                                                    CO.sub.2 6.10%                                                                O.sub.2 8.20%                                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The following results were obtained using the present device on a '69Pontiac Lemans V8 (350 cu. in.) engine:

    ______________________________________                                        EFFLUENT EXHAUST                                                                              EXHAUST       ENGINE                                          GASES           TEMPERATURE   RPM                                             ______________________________________                                        WITH DEVICE TURNED OFF                                                        CO 2.56                        620                                            HC 568                                                                        CO 2.62                       1732                                            HC 433                                                                        WITH DEVICE TURNED ON                                                         CO 1.94                        625                                            HC 107                                                                        CO 1.62                       1763                                            HC 85                                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The following results were obtained using the present device on a 1984Toyota van, 4 cylinder with an ambient temperature of 55°:

    ______________________________________                                        EFFLUENT EXHAUST                                                                              EXHAUST       ENGINE                                          GASES           TEMPERATURE   RPM                                             ______________________________________                                        WITH DEVICE TURNED OFF                                                        CO .12%         210°   1970                                            HC 35 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 12.7%                                                                O.sub.2 3.6%                                                                  CO .04%         170°    794                                            HC 40 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 6.4%                                                                 O.sub.2 11.8%                                                                 WITH DEVICE TURNED ON                                                         CO .07%         230°   1909                                            HC 12 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 10.8%                                                                O.sub.2 5.6%                                                                  CO .03%         190°    775                                            HC 28 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 5.0%                                                                 O.sub.2 13.6%                                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The following results were obtained using the present device on a '87Ford truck with a V8 (351 cu. in.) engine with an ambient temperature of60°:

    ______________________________________                                        EFFLUENT EXHAUST                                                                              EXHAUST       ENGINE                                          GASES           TEMPERATURE   RPM                                             ______________________________________                                        WITH DEVICE TURNED OFF                                                        CO 1.12%        130°    795                                            HC 95 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 9.3%                                                                 O.sub.2 7.1%                                                                  CO .95%         300°   2086                                            HC 70 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 14.1%                                                                O.sub.2 .06%                                                                  WITH DEVICE TURNED ON                                                         CO .80%         210°    820                                            HC 60 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 9.4%                                                                 O.sub.2 6.8%                                                                  CO 31%          350°   2041                                            HC 34 ppm                                                                     CO.sub.2 14.2%                                                                O.sub.2 .6%                                                                   ______________________________________                                    

It is thus apparent from the above results that gaseous pollutants areeither reduced or eliminated from the gas streams by virtue of thepresent invention. It is also apparent that the reaction occurs at thescreens within the preferred temperature range even without the voltagebeing supplied to the first screen. Applicant believes that, once themetallic ions have been excited to a certain degree, the reaction tendsto be self sustaining to a certain extent.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the apparatus and method ofthe present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover themodifications and variations of this invention provided they come withinthe scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for treating exhaust gases for reducingpollutants therein, said system comprising:a treatment chamber, saidchamber having an intake end and an exhaust end; a first metal screenoperatively disposed within said treatment chamber substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of said chamber generally nearer said intakeend so that an incoming exhaust stream entering said treatment chamberfirst passes through said first metal screen; a second metal screenoperatively disposed within said treatment chamber substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of said chamber at a predetermined distancedownstream from said first metal screen; an electrode disposed directlyadjacent said first metal screen at a distance therefrom so that uponapplying a voltage to said electrode sparks are generated between saidelectrode and said first metal screen; means for generating sparks fromsaid electrode to said first metal screen at a predetermined frequencyto maximize reduction of exhaust pollutants within said treatmentchamber, said spark generating means further comprising a voltage sourceoperatively connected to said electrode; and a pulsing mechanismoperatively configured with said voltage source to cause the voltagesupplied to said electrode from said voltage source to be pulsed at saidpredetermined frequency.
 2. The system as in claim 1, wherein saidpredetermined frequency is generally 1500 pulses/minute to optimizereduction of at least carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide.3. The system as in claim 1, wherein said chamber comprises a firstinsert section, a second insert section, and a sleeve member, said firstand second insert sections fitting into and secured within each end ofsaid sleeve member respectively, said first metal screen being disposedwithin said first insert section, and said second metal screen beingdisposed within said second insert.
 4. The system as in claim 1, whereinsaid first metal screen is approximately six inches from said secondmetal screen.
 5. The system as in claim 3, wherein said first metalscreen is separated from said second metal screen within said sleevemember by approximately six inches.
 6. The system as in claim 3, whereinsaid first insert section is configured to be mateable with anautomobile's exhaust pipe.
 7. The system as in claim 1, wherein saidchamber, said first metal screen, and said second metal screen comprisea multi-sided configuration.
 8. The system as in claim 7, wherein saidmulti-sided configuration is a star shape having equal length sides. 9.The system as in claim 1, wherein said chamber, said first metal screen,and said second metal screen are stainless steel.
 10. The system as inclaim 1, wherein said system is configured for use with an automobile,said voltage source comprising components of the automobile's electricalsystem, and said pulsing means comprises a timing circuit operativelyinterfaced with said automobile's electrical system.
 11. The system asin claim 1, further comprising temperature sensitive means operativelyinterfaced with said pulsing means for causing said pulsed voltage to besupplied within a predetermined temperature band.
 12. The system as inclaim 11, wherein said temperature sensitive means comprises athermocouple, said thermocouple disposed so as to respond to thetemperature of exhaust gases passing through said chamber.
 13. Thesystem as in claim 11, wherein said predetermined temperature band isfrom generally 150 degrees to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
 14. A device fortreating an automobile's exhaust gases to reduce pollutants containedtherein, said device comprising:a multi-sided treatment chamberconfigured to be installed in the auto's exhaust system so that exhaustgasses pass through said chamber; a first metal screen disposed withinsaid chamber, and a second metal screen disposed within said chamber apredetermined distance downstream from said first metal screen; a sparkgenerating electrode disposed within said chamber directly adjacent saidfirst metal screen, said electrode at a distance from said first metalscreen such that upon applying voltage to said electrode sparks aregenerated between said electrode and said first metal screen; means forelectrically connecting said spark generating electrode to the auto'sexisting electrical system for supplying voltage thereto; a pulsingdevice operatively configured with said spark generating electrode topulse the voltage supplied thereto at a predetermined frequency; andtemperature sensitive means reacting to the temperature within saidchamber for supplying the pulsed voltage within a predeterminedtemperature range.
 15. The device as in claim 14, wherein said chambercomprises an insert to be fitted into the auto's exhaust pipe.
 16. Thedevice as in claim 14, wherein said pulsing device comprises a timingcircuit interfaceable with the auto's electric ignition system.
 17. Thedevice as in claim 14, wherein said temperature sensitive meanscomprises a thermocouple operatively disposed within said chamber. 18.The device as in claim 14, wherein said predetermined pulsing frequencyis approximately 1500 pulses/minute and said predetermined temperaturerange is approximately 150 degrees to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
 19. Anautomobile emission control device, comprising:a treatment chamberhaving an upstream stainless steel screen disposed therein across saidchamber, and a downstream stainless steel screen disposed therein acrosssaid chamber approximately 6 inches from said upstream screen, saidchamber being mountable in-line with the auto's exhaust system; a sparkgenerating electrode disposed adjacent to at least said upstream metalscreen, said spark generating electrode connected to a voltage source ofapproximately 15K volts and set at a distance from said upstream metalscreen so that upon voltage being applied thereto sparks are generatedbetween said electrode and said upstream metal screen; a timing circuitoperatively interfaced with said voltage source, said timing circuitcausing voltage from said voltage source to be applied to said sparkgenerating electrode at a pulse rate of approximately 1500pulses/minute; and a temperature monitoring device operatively disposedto sense the temperature within said chamber, said temperaturemonitoring device interfaced with said voltage source and said timingcircuit so that said pulsed voltage is supplied to said spark generatingelectrode within a temperature range of approximately 150 degrees to 300degrees Fahrenheit.
 20. A method for treating exhaust gasses to reducethe pollutants contained therein, said method comprising the stepsof:passing the exhaust gasses through a treatment chamber having firstand second steel screens disposed therein separated from each other apredetermined distance, the exhaust gasses passing through the firstscreen and then the second screen; supplying voltage to an electrodedisposed adjacent the first steel screen within the treatment chamber sothat an arc is generated across the gap between the electrode and firstscreen; and pulsing the voltage supplied to the electrode at apredetermined frequency.
 21. The method as in claim 20, comprisingsupplying approximately 15K volts AC to the electrode.
 22. The method asin claim 20, comprising pulsing the voltage at approximately 1500pulses/minute.
 23. The method as in claim 20, comprising supplying thepulsed voltage within a temperature range of approximately 150° to 300°F.
 24. The method as in claim 20, wherein said method is used fortreating exhaust gasses of an automobile, further comprising disposingthe treatment chamber within the auto's exhaust system, supplying thevoltage to the electrode from the auto's electrical system, and pulsingthe voltage with a timing circuit interfaced with the auto's electricalsystem.
 25. The method as in claim 20, further comprising determiningthe temperature within the treatment chamber and supplying the pulsedvoltage to the electrode within a predetermined temperature range withinthe treatment chamber.
 26. A method for treating exhaust gasses of anautomobile comprising the following steps:attaching an exhaust treatmentchamber to the auto's exhaust system, the chamber having first andsecond stainless steel screens disposed therein with a predeterminedseparation therebetween; supplying approximately 15K volts from theauto's electrical system to spark generating electrode disposed adjacentthe first stainless steel screen so that an arc is generated from thespark generating electrode to the first stainless steel screen; pulsingthe voltage supplied to the spark generating electrode with a timingdevice interfaced with the auto's electrical system; monitoring thetemperature within the treatment chamber; and supplying the pulsedvoltage between a temperature range within the chamber of approximately150° to 300° F.